Orange Segments with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – Simple Elegance

Getting that wow factor doesn’t have to be difficult if you have a few tricks up your sleeve, one of which is segmenting an orange. This dessert came together in less than 10 minutes with pre-made vanilla bean ice cream. Sugar free and gluten free, of course!

How to Segment an Orange – or any Citrus Fruit

This is a simple task that produces fabulous results. You just slice away the peel and bitter white membrane leaving the juicy pulp behind.

Start by cutting 1/8 to 1/4 inch off the ends the orange so it stands on it’s own.

Next, place the edge of your very sharp knife between the peel and the pulp. Follow the contours of the orange all the way down, cutting away the bitter white part of the peel.

Do this all the way around the orange and, if necessary, go back and trim away any remaining peel.

Cut each section out of the orange by placing your knife along the edge of the white membrane. Very carefully cut to the center of the orange. Do the same thing on the other side of the segment. It should come right out. If not, gently use your knife to cut anywhere it’s still connected. It’s best to do this over a bowl so you can catch juice form the orange. Continue this all the way around the orange until you’re removed all segments.

Squeeze what’s left of the orange and catch the juices in the bowl. If you don’t use it now, save it for something else.

Plating

Arrange the orange slices in a circle on a small dessert plate. White works really well for this dessert. Then, top with a scoop of ice cream and garnish with your choice of toppings. I used toasted, chopped pecans here but I think a sugar free chocolate sauce would be divine.

Section your oranges ahead of time. Arrange orange segments on plates, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to finish assembly. You can put the orange segments on plates right before you serve if you don’t have refrigerator room. I do suggest chilling the plates ahead of time as it will keep the ice cream from melting.

To prepare your ice cream ahead of time, line a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer with parchment or wax paper. Scoop as many ice cream balls as you’ll need (or even a few extra) and place them on the lined baking sheet. Freeze uncovered until they’re firm. If you’re going to leave them in the freezer for more than a few hours, cover them once they’ve hardened. Remove from the freezer 20 minutes or so before you’re serving dessert so they have time to soften slighlty.

Top the orange segments with ice cream, garnish, and serve.

Smile as your guests react with wonder at this simple dessert.

I added the directions for how to segment an orange in the recipe below so you’ll have a printable version.

Segment the orange. Start by cutting 1/8 – 1/4 of an inch off both ends so it will stand on it’s own and you can see the orange pulp. Place a sharp knife on the edge of the pulp and cut the peel away by following the contours of the orange. Do this all the way around. Go back and trim away any remaining white pith if necessary. Now, working over a bowl to catch any juice, cut each segment away by cutting gently between the pulp and the membrane. Once you’ve cut on each side of the orange segment, it should come right out. Continue all the way around the orange until each segment has been removed. Squeeze what’s left of the orange over the bowl to extract out the rest of the juice. Save for another dish.

Arrange your orange slices on a plate in a circular pattern. Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and garnish with chopped pecans – or any other topping of your choice.

Comments

The pictures are gorgeous Amy! The combination of orange and vanilla ice cream is delicious! I certainly am enjoying the seasonal food recipes and ideas. It's given food preparation and what to eat an entire new twist. It's broadened my horizon sort of speak. Thank you.

@Iris, That's my motto!! I love the more complicated dishes, too, but I'm busy. I often need to make something fabulous that's healthier and quick. I assume everyone else is busy, too, so I try to strike a nice balance in my posts.
Thanks for your feedback. :)

This looks great! I'm usually not a fan of oranges other than eating them plain or as orange juice, but the idea of them with vanilla ice cream sounds great, almost like the orange cream ice cream cups we had when I was little. mmm!

About Amy

Living free of refined sugars and gluten since 2004 has allowed me to live a fulfilled, healthy life. My food cravings, migraines, and depression vanished and was able to maintain a 60+ pound weight loss. Today I live with enormous freedom. Join me as I create healthier food that's delicious. I'll help you do the same.